Cardiff Blues team to face Edinburgh

Cardiff Blues have named a side showing seven changes to the team that narrowly lost to Leicester Tigers on Sunday.

In the backs Jamie Robinson and Ed Fairhurst come in for Tom Shanklin and Mike Phillips who are on international duty.

In the forwards Rhys Shellard, James Goode, Gareth Williams and John Yapp replace Martyn Williams, Rob Sidoli, Rhys Thomas and Gethin Jenkins who are also all in the Welsh squad. While Taufaao Filise comes in for Gary Powell who is suspended for four weeks following the Leicester match.

Director of Coaching David Young said,

Rhys Shellard and Tom James have both impressed us in training and its good that they can have their opportunity to prove what they can do at the regional level.

"They are both products from the conveyor belt that is our Academy up in Trefforest and Im sure they are both looking forward to playing on Friday.

"Edinburgh are a quality team and have recorded some big wins already this season, notably against Munster, Leinster and Ulster. Its great to see Lynn Howells back closer to home and doing well, I learnt a lot from him as a coach and have a lot of time for him as a coach and as a man.

"Apart from the Welsh squad players and the long term injuries the only player unavailable for selection was Mark Lewis who suffered a neck nerve injury against Leicester but he should be available for the Connacht match.

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